[SOLVED] How to get 1080p to work on 720p screen?

[steviewonder87]

So I'm staying at my GF's place for a while, and her TV is only 720p. I'm trying to hook up my PC to it, but with my GPU connected I get an 'invalid format' error as soon as Windows boots (assuming because it's set to 1080p and as the native resolution is lower there's some mismatch). I can get it to work with the integrated graphics in 720p, but the options to select higher resolutions in Windows are not available. However when hooked up to her laptop the TV has no problem displaying '1080p' (I assume some form of upscaled pseudo 1080p) but for some reason I don't get that option with my PC.

Is there a way to 'unlock' the ability to select higher resolutions (like it allows on her laptop) and get this monitor working with my GPU connected? I don't mind that it's not 'real' 1080p, I know I can't make it display that, I just want the upscaled 1080p she gets with her laptop. And please don't suggest buying a new monitor or something like that, I have a perfectly fine monitor at home I just don't have it right now.

Thanks

 

[SkyNetRising]

Boot into safe mode, then change display resolution.
Also check refresh rate settings. It's possible resolution settings are compatible, but refresh rate settings are not (if you have high refresh rate pc monitor).

 

[steviewonder87]

So the higher display resolutions above the native 720p are unlocked in safe mode?

And I'm pretty sure it's not the refresh rate, should be 60hz on both.

 

[SkyNetRising]

Safe mode loads graphics driver into compatibility mode with low resolution like 800x600 or 1024x768.

 

[steviewonder87]

OK so I tried that, it allows me to get into Windows with the HDMI cable connected to my GPU while in safe mode, but still doesn't 'unlock' the options to choose higher resolutions, and there is seemingly very little else I can mess with while in safe mode. And as soon as I boot back into normal Windows I get the invalid format error again and no picture. How can I unlock the option to select 1080p like it allows when connected to a laptop?

 

[TJ Hooker]

What TV model?

 

[steviewonder87]

Some random Turkish TV you've most likely never heard of https://www.arcbayi.com/Arcelik-A32-LCK-0BU-LCD-TV/ArcelikOzellik?PID=1376

There are no settings on the TV itself I can change to fix though, I've checked. I just don't get why it allows upscaled 1080p with no issues whatsoever when connected to her laptop but limits me to 720p with my far more capable desktop (and therefore won't display anything once in Windows with my GPU connected, unless in safe mode).

 

[boju]

Connect laptop again and check if resolution is 1080i. 1080p resolution is too much for tv to scale but interlaced might work.

 

[steviewonder87]

The TV says 1080p 60hz and Windows says 1920x1080, I know it's not 'real' 1080p (prob 1080i or some kind of upscaled 720p I guess) but regardless I don't get that option when connected to my PC at all. Windows only goes up to 1360x728 with my PC on this screen. I just want that option unlocked as it is with the laptop.

 

[boju]

Can you post pictures of the laptop resolution page and of the tv saying 1080p?

 

[steviewonder87]

Can't really take a screenshot of the TV saying that as it's external to Windows but you can take my word for it (even if it didn't say that and said 1080i or something - which it doesn't - it's kind of besides the point since I'm simply looking for any kind of 1920x1080 resolution with my PC connected, period, so that would be fine anyway) and the resolution page is just the standard Windows resolution page not really sure how that's going to help, but here you go - https://prnt.sc/moe9jy

With my PC it only goes up to 1360x728.

 

[boju]

I was hoping to get a list of resolutions in the drop down box hoping to see interlaced, but never mind. The TV's native resolution is 1366x768 @ 60Hz, i can't see how it's possible for the laptop to display higher than what the TV is capable of UNLESS Hertz is set lower on the laptop's second display?

Check the graphics card control panel if it has one and try a custom resolution. Try on yours as well and choose interlaced 1080 and try a variety of Hz settings. In any case if it is interlaced, 1366x768p60 (720p) is a superior resolution.